180 



- The majority of the wastes (by weight) were plastics (59%) . 

 The proportion of plastics show a minor decrease from 64.5% in 1988. 



- Cigarette butts were the most common item collected (almost 1 

 million) and represented 18% of all debris. 



Status of EPA Regulatory Activities 



In response to rising concerns over beach safety, EPA has proposed 

 to negotiate a rule on bathing beach water standards. To address 

 this issue, EPA contracted RESOLVE to examine the feasibility of a 

 negotiated rulemaking or other appropriate consensus building 

 process. In June, 1993, a convening report on a proposed regulatory 

 negotiation was presented to EPA. This report made several 

 findings: 1) most interested parties would prefer a negotiated 

 approach if new recreational water regulations are needed; 2) most 

 stakeholders generally think that reevaluation of recreational 

 criteria is inevitable; and 3) there are concerns about the lack of 

 an adequate scientific database for new rulemaking efforts. As a 

 result of this report, EPA has made a preliminary decision to do a 

 Phase II (Facilitation) negotiated rulemaking in fiscal year 1994, 

 pending the availability of funds. 



ISSUES 



Are current EPA water quality criteria sufficient to protect the 

 health of beach users? Are improved criteria technically and 

 economically feasible? 



To what extent are the states using the existing EPA criteria? 



Do existing testing techniques adequately reflect public health 

 risks? Are better techniques available? 



Is there a need for uniform federal standards for beach monitoring, 

 posting and closure? 



Should all states, regardless of beach conditions, use levels, and 

 exposure to pollutants be required to participate in a national 

 program? 



Will EPA implement a national program, even if H.R. 31 is not 

 enacted? 



What will be the costs to the states of a national monitoring 

 program? How does this cost relate to current expenditures for 

 beach monitoring? Who will pay the additional costs? 



Attachment 



